Sexual Harassment

Students who feel that they may be the victim of some form of harassment as a result of the actions of another student should contact the Director of Student Life to lodge a complaint. These cases will be resolved in accordance with student disciplinary procedures. Students who believe they have been harassed or otherwise discriminated against by a University employee should contact the Vice President of Academic Affairs and attempt resolution of the complaint. Harassment of any kind is unacceptable at Thomas University and is in conflict with the policies and interests of the university.

Generally, harassment may be defined as verbal or physical conduct by a person or group of persons which interferes with a student’s academic performance or causes discomfort in the work setting or classroom.

Sexual harassment and racial harassment have been held to constitute a form of discrimination which is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Other types of harassment (religious, disabled, or other protected status) are prohibited by applicable law.

Title VIâ€¨ Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the Federal law that protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, or national origin in programs that receive Federal financial assistance.

Title IXâ€¨ Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities that receive or benefit from Federal financial assistance; e.g., in recruiting and admissions, financial aid, athletics, textbooks and curriculum, housing facilities, career counseling, insurance and health care, single sex groups and programs, extracurricular activities, and employment.